Medications
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
A commonly used SSRI antidepressant — what to expect week by week, and the safety points to raise with your doctor.
How long it takes
It commonly takes 2–4 weeks to notice improvement and up to 6–8 weeks for the full benefit. Keep taking it as prescribed and review progress with your doctor.
What it is
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), taken once a day. It is used for depression, and for some anxiety conditions depending on the product prescribed. Which conditions a particular brand is approved for is set by that brand's own product information, so ask your doctor or pharmacist what yours is being used for.
What to expect
It commonly takes 2–4 weeks to notice improvement and up to 6–8 weeks for the full benefit, and this varies between people. Early side effects such as nausea or sleep changes often settle. Sexual difficulties are common and worth raising. Keep taking it as prescribed and review progress with your doctor.
A missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless there are fewer than 12 hours until your next dose, in which case leave the missed dose out and carry on as usual. Never take two doses at once to catch up. This is the rule for escitalopram specifically: do not copy the missed-dose instructions from a different antidepressant.
Safety points to raise
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines and supplements, any heart rhythm problem or family history of one, and any plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Escitalopram can affect the heart's rhythm and can lower blood sodium, particularly in older people or alongside certain other medicines — whether you need an ECG or blood tests is judged case by case, not routinely for everyone. Get urgent assessment for fainting, a sustained irregular heartbeat, a seizure, marked confusion, or fever with agitation, tremor or muscle stiffness.
Stopping safely
Do not stop suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can follow a reduction or stopping, so your doctor will work out a plan with you and lower the dose gradually if and when you decide to stop.
When to get urgent help
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, a seizure, fainting or a sustained irregular heartbeat, or a fever with agitation, tremor or stiff muscles, get help straight away rather than waiting for your next appointment. Go to your nearest emergency department or call 000. In Australia you can call 13YARN 13 92 76, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Lifeline 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
Where this information comes from
Antidepressants
healthdirect Australia · 2025
Medicines for anxiety
healthdirect Australia · 2025
Lexapro (escitalopram) — Consumer Medicine Information, August 2023 edition
Lundbeck Australia Pty Ltd · Aug 2023
More in Medications
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This sheet is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your own doctor or pharmacist.